2016 mercedes benz g550 review, 2016 mercedes benz g550, mercedes benz g550 amg, mercedes benz g550 review, mercedes benz g550, Engine: Twin-Turbo 4.0L V8 Power: 416 HP / 450 LB-FT Transmission: 7-Speed Automatic 0-60 Time: 5.7 Seconds Top Speed: 130 MPH Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive Engine Placement: Front Curb Weight: 5,724 LBS Seating: 2+3 Base Price: $119,900 Driving Notes • I'm kicking myself for not taking video of the exhaust note, because holy crap, the G550 sounds amazing. Mercedes' engineers should be applauded for the exhaust tuning on the updated G-Class. The result is a low, burbly, throaty V8 noise that comes bellowing out the SUV's side pipes. • The extra 59 lb-ft of torque is really noticeable off the line. And like in the AMG GT and C63, the 4.0-liter V8 provides linear power delivery with no noticeable turbo lag. Mercedes says the 2016 G550 will do 0-60 in 5.7 seconds, compared to 6.0 seconds in the 2015 model. That's right, it's a 5,724-pound, box-shaped SUV that'll run nearly neck and neck with a basePorsche Boxster. • In terms of on-road refinement, the G-Class is the same as it ever was. There's an optional, adjustable suspension for 2016, with Comfort and Sport modes, but the difference between the two settings is negligible. The G-Wagen, floats, rolls, and rocks about, and there's little to no communication through the ancient, recirculating ball steering. If you're looking for driver involvement, you'll be disappointed. But I can hardly knock the G-Class for not being a dynamic wonder on-road – if you buy this type of SUV, you should know what you're getting yourself into. • As you'd expect, the G-Class is a total champ off road. My test of the new G550 involved a couple runs through the ADAC off-road facility outside of Frankfurt, on a seriously wet and rainy day. Through the thick mud, up and down steep grades, over rocks and logs, the G-Class performed admirably. Not surprised? Neither am I. It's a freaking Geländewagen. See a clip of my off-road experience in the video below, and stay tuned for a full video recap of my muddy, rock-crawling test. • One thing to note about off-roading in the G-Class, the boxy shape is a real aid here. You can see your corners, and you know exactly how tall and wide the whole SUV is. Roll down the front window, stick your head out, and you know exactly what's happening. It's all part of the experience. • What I love about the G-Class is the juxtaposition between the hardcore, off-road dynamics, old-world chassis tuning, and the completely modern and luxurious interior. Inside, it's absolutely a Mercedes, with rich leathers and nice materials. The super-lux Designo hides and colors can be had in the G-Class, too. • There's no lack of technology, either. Mercedes' COMAND system controls everything, buttons and knobs for driving controls and HVAC settings are easy to locate and use, and everything feels premium. If you've ever driven a Mercedes, the tech inside the G-Class will feel completely familiar. The driving experience, however, is unlike anything else. https://youtu.be/W-hLveRtfPM